Perceptions of Youth in Substance Abuse in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Substance abuse is a maladaptive use of a drug, resulting in impairment of functioning or distress, as manifested by a failure to perform adequately at home, school or work. In Nigeria, a large number of the population mostly the youth buy drugs without any physician‟s prescription. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the youth on the substances they abused in Gawon Nama area of Sokoto, Sokoto state, Nigeria. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Twelve youth between the ages 18 to 30 years who abuse different substances but were not in psychotic state were recruited using snowball and purposive sampling methods. Semi-structured interview guide was used to interview the respondents after obtaining an informed consent from the respondents. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim, the data was analyzed using content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the most commonly abused substance was Marijuana and the least abused was cocaine, the reasons were availability and affordability of these substances. Alcohol was not commonly abused due to religious prohibition. Physical, psychological and social effects were identified where impaired relationships and violence were common among the youth who indulge in substance abuse. Job provision, enlightenment and education were perceived measures for prevention, reduction or controlling substance abuse in Sokoto. The implications for nursing practice, policy and future research were considered and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study such as the government and non-governmental organizations should provide job opportunities for the youth.